Chapter Text
The diner looked the same way as back then, when they used to have their regular meals here. Just as expected from her, Emu arrived extra early, letting her anticipation and excitement guide her the way to her friends. One page after the other she scanned through the menus and struggled what to get, everything just looked so delicious!
“Maybe I‘ll just get every one of them…but will my stomach even be able to digest 5 dishes? What if-” A little bell sound caught her attention and as she looked over, she was met with greetings.
“Hello there! As early as always, aren’t we?” He greeted with a pleasant expression.
“This place hasn’t changed a bit since then, hasn’t it? Somehow I feel nostalgic now” she added while sitting down infront of Emu.
“Rui, Nene! I’m so glad you could make it!” She was overly joyed about their appearance.
“You‘re saying that as if we hadn’t planned it out already. Of course we were gonna come.“ Nene took the menu now and searched for her favourite dish that she used to pick back in Highschool. “The looks of this place haven’t changed, but the prices are a whole nother story” she noted, her brows furred in complaint. Rui lets a humorous laugh slip out which was contagious enough for Emu to join. Her expression broke away from the tension she had before and is filled with relief.
“Hey, what’s that long face for? Not feeling good?“ Rui noticed the sudden shift in her expression, just as Nene did, who set the menu aside (for now at least).
“No, it’s nothing actually…You know…I’m just really, really glad we could all make it today. We haven’t met like this since our early college years. I kinda missed those times, you know…” Her eyes wandered to her fingers, which were playing around with page 8 of the menu. Nene leaned her arms on the table, her expression returning the feeling of Emu.
“Me too. So let’s enjoy today to our hearts' content!“ With an agreeing nod from Rui, Emu felt more than ready to start the rest of the day together with the two of them.
After scanning through the menu, they decided on their dishes. While eating, they are met with memories of their past and talk about their days together as highschoolers- that time will always be precious to them.
“Lemme get them vegetables for you Rui!“ Emu exclaimed, as she happily poked at the tiny cucumbers and tomatoes that he had already neatly put away on the side of his plate. “Fufu, thank you, Emu. You’re so reliable when it comes to vegetables.”
“Don’t look so pleased. What are you doing with your vegetables when she’s not around?“ her piercing gaze made him tense up.
“Oh come on, don’t be so harsh on me. I’m just doing them a favor! Every living being just as plants should have the freedom to not be eaten”
“Yet you’re eating a beef stake now“ Nene pointed her fork at him in a judgemental manner. This sight entertained Emu so much, that she almost freed the food from her mouth. But before that could happen she swallowed it and laughed whole heartedly. Nene calmed down at the sight of her friend having a fun time, Rui was also glad to see Emu in higher spirits now.
“Now that I think about it, you used to eat his vegetables back then as well.“ To that Rui agreedly added
“You and Tsukasa were my lifesavers, what a pity you can’t do that as often nowadays.“ There was a moment of silence- as she heard that name, Emu seemed to freeze for a split second.
Oh, there he was again…Tsukasa. She hadn’t come to terms with her current situation as well as she hoped she would. She tried to turn the thought of him down, push it away, let it never come to her mind again. The thought of him just brings up bad memories…
But none of these thoughts did she allow to show on the outside. Emu only showed a small smile and responded to Rui with “Yeah, we used to do that a lot”. After that, she turned back to her dish.
A few hours went by, the three of them were at the park, enjoying the quiet and calming atmosphere for their late night walk. Right now, Emu was pleading Nene constantly, in which Rui joined. “You guys can be really pushy…” She let out a long sigh, then continued. “Okay, but I’ll not sing as loud, since it’s already late at night.“
That was enough to please Emu (Rui just joined in Emu‘s pleading because it was funny to tease Nene every now and then). With some short exercises she warmed up her voice to sing those lines, which will be heard by many others, next week on the big stage. Her voice was as magically as ever, only difference now is that she is much more confident in her singing abilities. She knows what she is capable of and hopes to connect everyone through her singing. Before any of the two could reply to her singing, another one already did.
“You’re amazing! May I get an autograph?” The little girl asked, eyes shining brighter than any of the stars tonight could, with a signature book in hand.
“Of course you may” Nene smiled gently, took the pen that Rui presented her and took the little book. With grace she wrote out Nene for the little fan. She thanked Nene and ran toward her mother, to which she excitedly reported her lucky encounter with the musical songstress.
“I keep forgetting how popular you already are, Nene!“ Nene looked a bit touched and embarrassed at the same time while looking over to the little girl, who was holding the signature book so proudly in her hand.
“I’m still kinda nervous sometimes, when it comes to encounters like this. I’m not used to having this much attention. But it feels nice, knowing that my singing reached people, even those I haven’t even met yet.“
“That’s our beloved songstress! Your songs just have a way to touch ones heart, mine is no exception there.“ he encouragedly claimed, but this was more embarrassing than encouraging for her as it seems. “You don’t have to tell me that…” She walked ahead in hopes he wouldn’t notice her turning red.
“But I agree! Your singing is so wonderful, Nene! I could fall asleep like a baby listening to it, safe and sound~ I’m so happy that I get to hear you singing almost every day now these days!” They escorted Emu back to her home, afterwards Rui und Nene would be going to head to their own living quarters as well.
“And the ideas you’ve brought up were so amazing, Rui! It’s insane how the play transformed- it improved so much since the first day you guys practiced! You both are so amazing!“ She exclaimed happily, walking light footed infront of the two.
Even though she sometimes felt a bit lonely, with all of them being so busy nowadays, she won’t ever stop praising them for what they’re doing to making their dreams come true. After all that’s what they all set out to do since the beginning, Emu couldn’t be happier having these talented and hard-working people as her friends. They inspired her every day to achieve and pursue her dreams as well.
“But you were also amazing, Emu! I couldn’t believe that you managed to reach an agreement with the owners of Arcland. I haven't seen many people who could convince them of something, even though they only allowed me the stay for phoenix wonderlands‘ anniversary.” Touched by his praise, she responded with an awkward smile.
“Hehee thanks! But, my brothers were a big help for sure! But besides that, I have done many, many maannyyy business meetings with lots of different people by now. And I think through those, I’m kinda getting the hang of how every individual is functioning and what the best approach is to connect with them. Everyone has their preferred ways, you know, just like you and Nene!”
“Oh? Now I’m interested, care to elaborate?” Rui grinned, excited to hear more about her new knowledge, as did Nene, also curious to see how her friend has grown in which ways. They finally arrived at Emu‘s gate, it was already late at night so they had to be quiet.
“So every person has a preferred way as to how they want to be treated and how they want and can work best in groups with other people. As for you, Rui, you’re a person who needs his freedom and the trust of his people around them to let them grant you that freedom. You’re working best, when your ideas can have as much room a possible.” While she explained her ideas, she tried to use her hands and legs to visualise her visions the best she could (she still needs to work on her gestures).
“And you, Nene, strive best in your work depending on your work environment. In a welcoming environment, you feel like your best self to perform, but also a challenging environment can be good for you, as it motivates you to go beyond your limits and try out new things!” Emu thought that she would have most definitely impressed her two friends, but to her surprise they had quite a different expression going on.
“Wait…Emu, what? This is…so accurate. I’m kinda scared of how precise you are.” Emu couldn’t interpret Nene‘s facial expression, but relying on what she just said, she is more than happy with her performance of her new skills- she then strikes a pose in her newly gained pride.
“I actually didn’t really think about my working behaviour before, but I would go with your interpretation, that does sound like me…in some way…” Rui added- Emu and Nene chuckled to his vague view of himself. At the same time. he carefully mustered out Emu, not really sure if he could mention it now.
“And what would you say about Tsukasa..? What would his analysis be according to you…?” Nene‘s chuckling stopped immediately, her focus now shifted to Rui.
What does he think he’s doing? This is- Before she could end her thought, Rui winked at her- which turned out to be a poor attempt to hide his uncertainty… and the rising fear of Nene‘s judging look. To that, she jabbed her elbow into his side, which made him almost curl up in pain.
“Hmm…that’s a bit of a tough one…I don’t know what kind of person he is now. But if I look at our time back then….“ in the short pause that followed, the only thing they could hear was the sound of the rustling leaves in the wind. Nene and Rui were not so sure, if that whole topic still was weighing on her.
“Well it’s kind of difficult to analyze him…or to put him in this one specific category of a person. When I think about it, he had so many attributes to his character and his person, that made him adapt to any environment, people and situation. And from there, he would always take inspiration and even see chances of growth for himself. Even in the littlest of things. He was quite the type who could get along with anyone he would encounter. And the kind of person who would inspire others in his work. Truly admirable…”
She leaned against the gate and gazed off into the starry sky hoping to find some peace of mind. Her thoughts of him still haunt her, taking turns around her mind and giving her a hard time. Why do I still…
“Emu! Listen…” before her, Nene was standing, taking her out of her thought cage. She had a serious look on her face, but somehow it was also kind of sad and empathic at the same time.
“What happened back then was shocking and hard to realize for us all and…I know that out of us three… you have been in pain the most. We only want the best for you, Emu. That’s why I’m confronting you with this now, so please answer me...Is the topic with Tsukasa still weighing on you?” Unfortunately, for Emu, her friends were still as sharp to her feelings as they were back then, always ready to ask and do anything for her well being. She forces a smile on her lips
“To be honest…It’s still kind of hard to deal with it and sometimes I…well I still struggle to come to terms with it.” Her friends reciprocated the feeling, they were in the same situation after all.
“It’s alright if you still struggle with it. Just remember, that you aren’t alone, we’ll always be here to help you.”
Emu was relieved to hear that from them, knowing that at least they will be staying by her side…hopefully. She pushed the gate door open, ready to walk in any moment now. With her back turned to the other two she thanked them for their worry and help.
“I think the best thing for me would be not to think about it too much now. I'll let time go by and hope it does it thing. Thank you guys.” As she was about to close the door, Nene came in between and looked worried. She firmly gripped the gate door and wouldn’t let go of it.
“I hope we made our point clear to you- you can talk to us whenever you want! I know we’re all pretty busy nowadays, but there’ll always be time for you, for us all! So please, trust on us a little, okay?”
Nene knew how Emu felt towards him, how those feelings made her stay up late at night back then- on endlessly long phone calls with Nene, how her world began to spark anew ... .and how those feelings ripped out that innocent light of hers, once he turned away…
“You’re so sweet, Nene. I shall grand you the prize of best…uhm…worrying person!”
“I won’t accept that”
“Yeah the wording was bad I know. But that aside, I know that you all worry. This is just my way of coping with it and handling the matter. I want to do it this was, it’s probably better for me to just forget him all together,”
“But what if the situation changes? It could be, that he comes back..what would you do then?“ Rui suddenly joined, trying to achieve something that was still unclear to Emu. But frankly, she didn’t want to know.
“Ughh you guys…” Emu was getting slightly annoyed, they just didn’t let lose of that topic. She tried her best not to get annoyed with her friends, after all, they were all just trying to help her.
“Thank you for trying to lift up my hopes, but…that won’t happen. And even if it does happen, I…doubt it would be the same as it used to be.“ Emu now pushed the gate door shut and waved her friends goodbye.
Rui and Nene were on their way back to their parents‘ home, where they would be spending their stay, while working in phoenix wonderland for the following days.
“I don’t think it would have been fruitful if I kept hanging on the what If scenario, she was already having a hard time talking about it and just got pissed as it continued.“ He walked her to the front of her house, the light of the front door turned on and illuminated their faces in the dark.
“Yeah…I guess we did all we could, We shouldn’t pressure her any more.” She stretched out her hand toward the door, trying to move the key in a way that wouldn’t alarm her parents from their sleep. “Well then, don’t stay up too late, okay?” The key was silently put back into her bag, then she took her shoes with her inside.
“Whaaaat? I would never stay up late at night. I think you are starting to hallucinate again, Nene.”
“Don’t try to talk yourself out of this, I saw light coming out from your window past midnight yesterday.” She crossed her arms, as a means to show how serious she was about this. And even though she didn’t look intimidating at all, Rui felt his whole body tense up.
“That’s quite unfair, don’t you think? You don’t know if I was awake or not. What if I let my lights on because I’m scared of the dark? Ever thought about that? Poor me, being judged this cruel by my beloved childhood friend.” With a gesture, he demonstrated swiping off an imaginary tear, which was hilarious enough for Nene to let go of the matter.
“You goofball. Well, see you tomorrow.” The moment she closed the door, he was on his way to his own living quarters, which were just next to hers. He silently went up the stairs to his room and before closing the window, he peeked over to the other side, in hopes to catch one last glance of her before going to sleep.
Just as these two headed to sleep, Emu was already laying in bed, ready to doze off any minute now. Her head leaned against her favorite plushie, which she held close with her left hand, with the other hand she swiped through her phone, looking at all the memories they’ve made today.
“Arghh, my eyes are closed here! Pff…” she chuckled quietly as to not wake up her family. Photographs were a must for her to any outing with friends or family. She liked to collect memories with her beloved ones that way. As she kept swiping, she encounters other pictures from the past, ones she took just a few weeks ago and others that lie way further back.
“I really missed the beach, it was so nice going there with Hinata and Mom~. I should recommend it to Nene and Rui sometime. Hopefully we can find a day where we can meet up again.” She swiped the beach scenery away, and with every passing minute her eyelids felt a bit heavier and heavier, while her hand was slowly losing the grip of her phone. Though she was so tired, she didn’t want to end her memory revisiting, it reminded her of so many fun and lovely moments of her life.
But as she swiped to the next picture, she was reminded that not every memory was a lovely one. The way she looked so happy back then next to him was a feeling she could not reciprocate anymore. It felt distant, even strange for her to imagine feeling that way with him ever again. The picture showed the both of them standing next to each other, with huge cotton candy in both of their hands. In there, Emu was smiling from ear to ear, her cheeks a soft peachy colour. Tsukasa was standing next to her, with some of his own thought up poses as he always did for photographs, grinning full of joy.
As she swiped and saw the other pictures of them, she remembered their last time meeting up and suddenly everything felt heavy again. The phone in her hand, the memories flooding her mind, the feelings left in the past. There was nowhere for them to go, so they grew larger and larger inside of her, reeking out like thorns that hurt her, whenever she thought about it. That’s why, most of the time, she didn’t think about it. She didn’t have to anyway, it was better for her if she didn’t.
But today she was reminded of him more than once.
Why were they so persistent with Tsukasa today? Am I letting my feelings show that much…?
Before she could turn off her phone, she already dozed off, with her head on the plushie and her phone already lying on the ground, showing a picture of Emu and Tsukasa from their last meeting two years ago.
Why did you push us away back then, Tsukasa… she wondered, before her mind finally shut down for the day.